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evangelistic

THE MAGAZINE THAT EDIFIES YOUR LIFE

December 2018 / Edition 779

www.impactoevangelistico.net

G N I Y L E R A LIPS N O I T A N I M ABO E H T TO

D R LO 2 2 : 2 1 s b r e v o Pr

LIFE STORY

Santiago, the servant of God

DEVOTIONAL

Cry at midnight

INTERNATIONAL

Bolsonaro and the evangelical Christian vote

OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE

WORLDWIDE MISSIONARY MOVEMENT

MISSIONARY MOVEMENT 2 WORLDWIDE America • Europe • Oceania • Africa • Asia

editorial

I GIVE YOU

POWER Rev. José Arturo Soto B. International President of the WMM

“But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem.” Acts 1:8.

B

efore ascending to the Father, Christ commanded

what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in

his disciples to preach the gospel throughout the

the saints,” (Ephesians 1:17-18).

world, but first they had to stay in Jerusalem to be endowed with power from on high (Acts 1:4-9).

It is impossible to do His work and carry out His purposes if the Holy Spirit does not move freely in the

God rejoices when He sees us resisting the traps of the enemy. He is not impressed by the accomplishments of this world, but by our capacity to stop the poison darts of Satan with our shield of faith.

church with its ministry of power, guidance and filling.

Finally, the apostle wanted us to see the kind of

The Church cannot survive without three things: the

power that we have at our disposal so that we know

Word, the Holy Spirit and service.

“what is the exceeding greatness of his power

The Holy Spirit reveals Jesus Christ as a Saviour and

to us-ward who believe, According to the work-

makes us believe in sin and judgment. Without it, we

ing of his mighty power, Which he wrought in

could never get to the feet of Christ. Once we take this

Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set

first leap of faith, the Holy Spirit raises us up and makes

him at his own right hand in the heavenly places,

us aware of the truths and mysteries of God. Through it,

Far above all principality, and power, and might,

we lead a triumphant life of faith that and complete our

and dominion, and every name that is named,

course with joy (2 Timothy 4:7-8).

not only in this world, but also in that which is

Beloved readers, the Holy Spirit goes beyond speak-

to come: And hath put all things under his feet,

ing in tongues and performing miracles. The Third Per-

and gave him to be the head over all things to the

son of the Trinity wants to train us according to high

church,” (Ephesians 1:19-22).

plenitude of Christ, and to put in us the same mind that

The power invested in us by the Holy Spirit is the

was in Jesus. The Spirit of God constantly instils and

same that raised Christ from the dead (Romans 8:11).

renews in us the hope of resurrection. Paul prayed that

The victory of our Redeemer was complete, and so

“... the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father

must be ours. This power guarantees us the victory over

of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom

our enemies and makes us coheirs with Christ.

and revelation in the knowledge of him: The eyes

Dear friends, let us end the year with the blessing of

of your understanding being enlightened; that ye

God. May He take us from victory to victory and from

may know what is the hope of his calling, and

power to power. Amen.

December 2018 / Impacto evangelístico

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evangelistic Founder Director: Rev. Luis M. Ortiz DECEMBER 2018 / EDITION N° 779 (USPS 012-850) OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE WORLDWIDE MISSIONARY MOVEMENT The World-Wide Missionary Movement, Inc. is a non-profit church with a vision to plant new churches in the United States of America and its territories, and also with a missionary vision to plant new churches wherever God opens new doors all over the World.

PUBLISHED MONTHLY BY Movimiento Misionero Mundial, Inc World-Wide Missionary Movement, Inc San Juan, Puerto Rico Washington, D.C. Periodicals Postage Paid at San Juan, Puerto Rico 00936

POSTMASTER: send address changes to Impacto Evangelístico P.O. BOX 363644 San Juan, Puerto Rico 00936-3644 Phone (787) 761-8806; 761-8805; 761-8903

BOARD OFFICERS OF WMM INC. Rev. José Soto President Rev. Humberto Henao Vice president Rev. Rubén Concepción Secretary Rev. Gustavo Martínez Treasurer Rev. Álvaro Garavito Director Rev. Rómulo Vergara Director Rev. Luis Meza Director Rev. Clemente Vergara Director Rev. Carlos Guerra Director CHURCHES ESTABLISHED IN: Germany Argentina Aruba Australia Austria Belgium Belize Bolivia Bonaire Brasil Cameroon Canadá Chile Colombia Congo Ivory Coast Costa Rica Curacao Dinamarca Ecuador El Salvador Spain United States The Philippines Finland

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The Worldwide Missionary Movement is a religious nonprofit organization duly registered in San Juan, Puerto Rico, and in the federal capital, Washington DC, with headquarters in both cities and in every state of the United States and other countries where we have established missionary Works.

Important The offerings and donations in cash, equipment, real estate and bequests by will, in the benefit of the Worldwide Missionary Movement, Inc.’s Work, are deductible from the income tax, and receipts issued by the WMM are recognized by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) of the Federal Government of the United States of America and of the Free Associated State of Puerto Rico. n

Visit our website Obtain uplifting information about God’s Work and keep up with the latest news. A customized access from anywhere in the world: www. impactoevangelistico.net n

If you wish Write to us at our postal address: Worldwide Missionary Movement, Inc. PO Box 363644 San Juan, P. R. 00936-3644 n

Copyright © 2009 Impacto Evangelistic Movimiento Misionero Mundial, Inc. (World-Wide Missionary Movement, Inc.) All content of this magazine and each subsequent edition are duly registered at the Library of Congress, Washington, DC USA. All rights reserved.

Total or partial reproduction in any form and translation into other languages without prior permission of the Director are prohibited. Under international copyright agreements, they are crimes punishable by law. n

Doctrinal Statement The Worldwide Missionary Movement adheres to the fundamental doctrines of Scripture, such as: n

Legal deposit made on the National Library of Peru Nº 2011-02530 Christian Pentecostal Church-Worldwide Missionary Movement: Av. 28 de Julio 1781 - Lima 13 - Peru Printout: Quad/Graphics Perú S.A. Av. Los Frutales 344 - Lima 03 - Peru MISSIONARY MOVEMENT 4 WORLDWIDE America • Europe • Oceania • Africa • Asia

• The inspiration of the Holy Scriptures: 2 Timothy 3:15-17, 2 Peter 1:19-21.

• The Adorable Godhead in Three Persons, Father, Son and Holy Spirit: Matthew 3:16-17, 17: 1-5; 28:19, John 17: 5, 24, 26, 16:32, 14:16, 23, 18:5, 6, 2 Peter 1:17,18; Revelation 5.

• Salvation by Faith in Christ: Luke 24:47, John 3:16, Romans 10:13, Titus 2:11, 3:5-7.

• The New Birth: John 3:3, 1 Peter 1:23, 1 John 3:9.

• Justification by Faith: Romans 5:1, Titus 3:7.

• Water Baptism by Inmersion, as commanded by Christ: Matthew 28:19, Acts 8:36-39.

• The Baptism in the Holy Spirit subsequent to salvation, speaking in tongues according to: Luke 24:49, Acts 1:4, 8, 2:4.

• Divine Healing: Isaiah 53:4, Matthew 8:16, 17, Mark 16:18, James 5:14, 15.

• The Gifts of the Holy Spirit: 1 Corinthians 12:1-11.

• The Fruits of the Holy Spirit: Galatians 5:22-26.

• Sanctification: 1 Thessalonians 4:3, 5:23, Hebrews 12:14, 1 Peter 1:15, 16, 1 John 2:6.

• Ministry and Evangelization: Mark 16:15-20, Romans 10:15.

• Tithing and Maintenance of the Work: Genesis 14:20, 28:22, Leviticus 27:30, Numbers 18:21-26, Malachi 3:7-10, Matthew 10:10; 23:23.

• The Rapture of the Church: Romans 8:23, 1 Corinthians 15:5152, 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17.

• The Second Coming of Christ: Zechariah 14:1-9, Matthew 24:30, 31; 2 Thessalonians 1:7, Titus 2:13, Jude 14, 15.

• The Millennial Kingdom: Isaiah 2:1-4, 11:5-10, Zechariah 9:10, Revelation 19:20, 20:3-10.

• New Heavens and New Earth: Isaiah 65:17, 66:22, 2 Peter 3:13, Revelation 21:1.

SUMMARY www.facebook.com/impactoevangelistico

22 / BIBLE. Born in a barn?

DEVOTIONALS 40 / CRY AT MIDNIGHT. Rev. Luis M. Ortiz

42 / THE TRUE KNOWLEDGE. Rev. José A. Soto

“Mozambique is waiting for the word”

46

The cliff of lies

6

life story

20 / WOMAN. His first ministry is home

music

18 / CURRENT NEWS. March against gender ideology

cover note

16 / INTERNATIONAL. Bolsonaro and the evangelical Christian vote

interview

Search us on

O happy day

Santiago, the servant of God

34 24

44 / CHRIST TRIUMPHED. Rev. Alvaro Garavito

48 / EVENTS.

14 / Infographic.

64-65 / OTHER EVENTS.

December 2018 / Impacto evangelístico

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LYING is saying the opposite of what we know, believe or think. What should Christians’ stand be on this point? The Bible talks about lying in several passages and claims that it should not be part of a life devoted to the faith.

Four college friends went on a spree to a nearby town on the weekend before their final exams. After all the partying, they slept all Sunday and got back Monday morning. But, instead of taking the exam, they decided to talk to the teacher and explain why they had missed it.

They told him that they had planned to come back and study, but unfortunately, they got a flat tire on the way back. To make things worse, they had no tools and nobody wanted to help them. So they missed the test.

The teacher thought about it and agreed to reschedule an exam for the following day. The four friends were happy, they studied all night long and arrived the next day to take the exam.

The teacher arranged them in separate classrooms and gave them the sheet.

The first question was about the history of marketing and was worth 5 points.

“Excellent! Piece of cake,” they thought.

Once they finished, they turned the page over. In the second page was written, “For 95 points: Which tire got flat?” And the lie was exposed.

LYING FORBIDDEN

The Bible forbids lying. Colossians 3:9 says, “Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds.”

The Word says that God hates lying.

Proverbs 6:16-19 says, “These six things doth the Lord hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him: a proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that deviseth wicked MOVIMIENTOMISSIONARY MISIONERO MOVEMENT MUNDIAL 6 WORLDWIDE América • Europe America Europa • Oceanía Oceania • África Africa • Asia

cover note

THE CLIFF

OF LIES December Abril 2018 / Impacto evangelĂ­stico

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MISSIONARY MOVEMENT 8 WORLDWIDE America • Europe • Oceania • Africa • Asia

cover note

imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief, a false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.”

It also states that lying affects the communion with God. Isaiah 59:2-3 says, “But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear. For your hands are defiled with blood, and your fingers with iniquity; your lips have spoken lies, your tongue hath muttered perverseness.”

The Scriptures tell us that the devil is the father of lying. John 8:44 says, “Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of

It is so easy to slide down the cliff of lies, that the Bible advises believers to pray to God and ask Him that we do not succumb to lying. Psalm 119:29 says, “Remove from me the way of lying: and grant me thy law graciously.”

your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him.

When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.”

The Bible says that the devil induces men to lying. Acts 5:3 says, “But Peter said: Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost, and to keep back part of the price of the land?”

THE CHRISTIAN ATTITUDE

What should be the attitude of believers towards lying? The Bible says we ought to abhor it. Psalm 119:163 says, “I hate and abhor lying: but thy law do I love.”

What is more, believers must avoid lying and stay away from liars, not only not to become their victims, but also not to be corrupted by them, thinking that maybe lying is a good way to obtain certain things.

This is David’s recommendation.

Psalm 40:4 says, “Blessed is that man that

December 2018 / Impacto evangelístico

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MISSIONARY MOVEMENT 10 WORLDWIDE America • Europe • Oceania • Africa • Asia

cover note

maketh the Lord his trust, and respecteth not the proud, nor such as turn aside to lies.” And in Psalm 101:7, he says, “He that worketh deceit shall not dwell within my house: he that telleth lies shall not tarry in my sight.”

It is so easy to slide down the cliff

Liars are happy when they get away with lying, but they cannot see that the cliff where their bones will end up is around the corner. Lying never brings any lasting benefit.

of lies, that the Bible advises believers to pray to God and ask Him that we do not succumb to lying. Psalm 119:29 says,

“Remove from me the way of lying: and grant me thy law graciously.”

On the other hand, lying leads to

much more serious faults. Hosea 4:2 says, “By swearing, and lying, and killing, and stealing, and committing adultery, they break out, and blood toucheth blood.”

Lying is just the first link of a long chain of evils that might even lead to murder.

Lying also may produce a temporary success, which is only a premonition of the imminent ruin. Proverbs 21:6 says, “The getting of treasures by a lying tongue is a vanity tossed to and fro of them that seek death.” Liars are happy when they get away with lying, but they cannot see that the cliff where their bones will end up is around the corner.

Lying never brings any lasting benefit.

Lying also leads to our exclusion from Heaven. Liars will have no place in Heaven. Revelation 21:27 says, “And there shall in no wise enter into it anything that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie:

December 2018 / Impacto evangelístico

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but they which are written in the Lamb’s book of life.”

Likewise, the Bible shows that lying leads to the lake of fire. Revelation 21:8 says, “But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.”

It is the ultimate punishment of God for liars. Psalm 5:6 says, “Thou shalt destroy them that speak leasing: The Lord will abhor the bloody and deceitful man.”

Now that we know what the Bible says about lying, it is obvious that we have to do everything in our power to stop it.

The first recommendation is to acknowledge that lying is a sin. If you wish to free yourself from lying, look at it as God does, not as a weakness, a bad habit or an exaggeration, but as a sin.

Once you have acknowledged lying as a sin, it is necessary to confess it as such to God. Talk to God and tell Him, “I am a liar. I said this or that or did this or that.” Do not justify yourself. Every time you lie, go to God and confess. At some point, you will think before you lie and you will not do it.

Afterwards, you must commit to God not to lie again, even if your life is at stake. Hate lying and resist to it at any price. You must also pray to God to free yourself from lying, like David, who would ask God to watch his mouth and seal his lips so no lies would ever come out from him.

You should adopt the habit of asking God to keep you away from lies. If, in spite of it all, you tell a lie, do not think that everything is over or that you cannot fight against it. Humle yourself before God in praying, confess your sin and let God raise you up so you can go back to the path of truth.

Do not forget that one characteristic of a truthful Christian life is the absence of falsehood. (*) Information from the Internet

MISSIONARY MOVEMENT 12 WORLDWIDE America • Europe • Oceania • Africa • Asia

The first recommendation is to acknowledge that lying is a sin. If you wish to free yourself from lying, look at it as God does, not as a weakness, a bad habit or an exaggeration, but as a sin.

cover note

December 2018 / Impacto evangelĂ­stico

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LIES IN HISTORY Roman emperors’ thumbs down gesture was not a death sentence What they told us. We saw Joaquin Phoenix (impersonating emperor Commodus) do the thumbs down gesture in the Oscar-winning Gladiator (Ridley Scott, 2000), and we assumed that it was the truth. Books, paintings, movies, and TV have also encouraged this myth, making us believe that the thumb down in the arena meant a death sentence for the defeated gladiator.

What really happened. Unlike what we have seen on the screen, it was the emperor’s thumbs up gesture that meant that he was encouraging the winner to kill the loser. When the emperor wanted to spare the gladiator, he would press down his thumb upon his closed fist. “Believing that emperors sentenced gladiators to death by giving a thumbs-down is a mistake promoted by Hollywood. The real death sentence came from a thumbs-up,” explains historian María F. Canet to Icon Magazine.

Lorem ipsum

A faithful witness will not lie, but a false witness will utter lies.

Proverbs 14:5.

Van Gogh did not cut off his ear What they told us. The widely spread story states that, in 1888, Dutch painter Vincent Van Gogh, in a fit of madness, cut off his left ear with a razor blade after a row with his friend, the painter Gauguin. The author of world-famous paintings such as The Starry Night later wrapped his ear in newspaper and handed it to a prostitute named Rachel.

What really happened. Reality surpasses fiction. As stated by German academics Hans Kaufmann and Rita Wildegans in a BBC report published in 2009, it was Gauguin who, after being attacked by Van Gogh, cut off part of his friend’s left earlobe with his sword. To protect him, Van Gogh told the police the popular version of his self-inflicted injury. That is, neither Van Gogh was left with no ear (he just lost part of a lobe) nor it was himself the author of his injury due to a mental breakdown.

Piltdown’s skull A hoax caught the scientific world’s attention until 1950, when the truth was discovered.

In 1910, Charles Dawson claimed to have found the skull of what would be the “missing link” in Darwin’s theory of evolution and later known as the “Piltdown man.” Nevertheless, it was found decades later that it was actually no more than an orangutan jaw and a human skull that have been manipulated. The author of the lie remains unknown.

Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron.

1 Timothy 4:2.

Lying enslaves us, while the truth makes us free

It is often said that “white lies” are harmless. Likewise, many sins are justified by saying that they are “necessary” to attain certain objectives. In other words, the end justifies the means. Lying, according to this view, may be relatively good or bad, but the truth is that God’s commandments are absolute. “Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor” is a commandment, not a suggestion nor a phrase under discussion.

Lying enslaves us, while the truth makes us free.

The first lie related to human beings was made by Satan in the Garden of Eden. Satan is the father of lies, the maker of all evil, who “as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour” (1 Peter 5:8-9). The devil’s lies were successful and Eve and Adam paid with their expulsion from Paradise, among other consequences.

The masks

OF LYING MISSIONARY MOVEMENT 14 WORLDWIDE America • Europe • Oceania • Africa • Asia

But I say unto you, that ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also.

Matthew 5:39.

Liars tell what is not true for others to feel pity for them and help them.

Liars exaggerate or distort the truth to make others believe that they are more than they truly are or to make their bad actions look good.

Liars want to lie and get away with it.

Liars see themselves as smarter than the rest and take advantage of people’s naivety, but it is only their lack of integrity that puts them temporarily above others, until the lie is discovered and their reputation falls apart.

Liars think that they will not be caught, but sooner or later the truth comes to light.

Liars tell what is not true to manipulate others and take advantage, even if it is not legal.

Liars get trapped in a web that they cannot leave unless they stop before it is too late. Nobody will be able to trust them as they are not worthy of anyone’s trust.

December 2018 / Impacto evangelĂ­stico

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international

AFTER the Left ruled the country for six consecutive terms, Jair Bolsonaro won the elections in Brazil by representing the sector that opposes gender ideology.

What does this victory mean for the biggest country in South America?

Brazil is an example of the increasing Evangelical Christian power. Over the last years, the Evangelical Christian legislators have thwarted various legislative actions in favor of the LGBT population and closed gender ideology exhibitions in museums.

During the last elections, they have also played an important role in the victory of Bolsonaro.

Why did the Christian vote support Bolsonaro? Ulisses de Almeida, pastor of the Assembly of God, has a categorical answer. Bolsonaro has a Christian way of thinking: he is for the traditional family and against abortion and gender ideology, and he is an honest candidate. After the corruption of the last years, this is a decisive factor.

Bolsonaro understood that Brazil is a predominantly Christian country and he used this knowledge in his electoral programs. He announced during his campaign that he would not admit gender ideology in schools and that he would defend education “with no indoctrination or early sexualization.” This position clearly attracted the Christian vote and has shaped a new political map in the biggest SouthAmerican country and the world’s sixth largest economy.

Christians have become an important force in the political scenario of various Latin-American countries, and Brazil proves it. We must remember that in 2016, thanks to the support of Evangelical Christians, Marcello Crivella won the elections for Mayor of Rio de Janeiro. Crivella is a former missionary, engineer, writer, and nephew of bishop Edir Macedo, founder MISSIONARY MOVEMENT 16 WORLDWIDE America • Europe • Oceania • Africa • Asia

BOLS

of the Universal Church of the Kingdom of God and owner of Récord TV channel, one of the most important in the country.

There are currently 199 Christian deputies and 4 Christian senators in the National Congress of Brazil. Although they belong to different parties in both houses, they share the common trait of be-

ing members of the Evangelical Christian church. What is more, they work together to deal with moral matters, such as abortion, gender equality, same-sex marriage, etc. For instance, they have bolstered measures such as the Family Statute or the bill to reduce criminal responsibility age from 18 to 16.

SONARO AND THE EVANGELICAL CHRISTIAN VOTE

Evangelical Christian churches in Brazil gather under different denominations more than 42 million people, which is over 22 % of the population. The Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE) estimates that 14 000 new churches open every year. The official data shows that the number of Evangelical Christians in Brazil

has increased by 61,4 % in the last decade.

The growth of the Evangelical Christian power in Latin-American countries is not visible only in Brazil. This phenomenon was evident in Costa Rica’s last elections, where preacher Fabricio Alvarado competed in the runoff with a position opposing same-sex marriage, in-

vitro fertilization and abortion.

There is already an Evangelical Christian president in the region, the Guatemalan Jimmy Morales, while many others are trying to fill leadership positions in other countries. (*) Information from the Internet

December 2018 / Impacto evangelĂ­stico

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A million people protested against gender ideology in many Peruvian cities. The demonstration was replicated in Bolivia, Paraguay, Argentina and the Dominican Republic.

Over a million people marched down the streets of many Peruvian cities to protest against the gender ideology that is being encouraged by the Peruvian government.

The demonstration was attended by men, women, young people, children, and elders. It took place on November 15 in the Peruvian capital, Lima, and other cities such as Arequipa, Iquitos, Ayacucho, Cusco, Trujillo, Huancayo, Chiclayo, Piura, Tarapoto, Chimbote, Ica, Abancay, Pucallpa, Huaraz, Huánuco, Juliaca, Tumbes, Huancavelica, Tacna, Cerro de Pasco, Puerto Maldonado, Moyobamba, and Tingo María The protesters carried banners and posters and demanded that their right as parents be respected so that they can educate their children according to their principles and values. Furthermore, they showed their rejection to the National Policy for Gender Equality announced by President Martín Vizcarra on July 28 aiming to impose gender ideology in Peru.

In a press release, the “Con mis hijos no te metas” [Don’t mess with my children] Group, which organized the mass demonstration, reasserted their utmost rejection to the initiative that seeks to turn schools and other education institutions into foci of ideological indoctrination. They also stated that gender ideology is a totalitarian, anti-human, and anti-scientific trend that opposes God’s rules.

The march promoted in Peru was replicated in other predominantly Christian nations of Latin America.

Lively gatherings were held in Paraguay, Bolivia, Argentina, and the Dominican MISSIONARY MOVEMENT 18 WORLDWIDE America • Europe • Oceania • Africa • Asia

MARCH

AGAINST GENDER IDEOLOGY

current news

Republic and were attended by thousands of people who defended their right to educate their children according to their own values and principles.

December 2018 / Impacto evangelĂ­stico

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WITH great privilege comes great responsibility. A woman may be help and blessing or an obstacle to the ministry of her husband.

Carmen Valencia de Martínez

If we want to be an ideal help in the ministry of our husband, the pastor, we must find a balance as mothers and wives, because our home is from where we do God’s work. Let us remember there is a vineyard that must have a special place in our hearts!

We are a role model for the congregation, and do we must be very wise in our decisions and consider all things involved. As pastor’s wives, we must be aware that the relationship with our husband and children is the most important message about family that the church will receive.

The best strategy for a pastor to encourage strong marriages and families in church is to preach by example. As pastor’s wives, we play an essential role in this matter, we are called by God to take on a difficult yet rewarding task. Think about the teachings of God in Proverbs 14:1: “Every wise woman buildeth her house: but the foolish plucketh it down with her hands.”

It is said that women are 80% responsible in the building of a home. The proverb writer states that wise women are those who build their house, i.e. wise women are those who achieve stability at home. Note that the verse above says, “Every wise woman buildeth her house.”

When we want to build something, we do it one step at a time. Building is a process that requires effort and perseverance, it cannot be done all at once.

Buildings usually go up depending on the creativity and work of the buildMISSIONARY MOVEMENT 20 WORLDWIDE America • Europe • Oceania • Africa • Asia

HIS FIRST

MINISTRY IS HOME

ers. In the same way, we grow together with the thing that we build. As women of God, we are builders of heavenly wisdom who will reach maturity and leave childish ways behind. We will be just like the wise woman that knows that the fear of God is the beginning of wisdom (Proverbs 1:7; 2:6).

THE VALUE OF HOME

Home is more than just a hotel in which we spend the night, or a restaurant in which we sit down to eat, or a laundromat in which we do laundry. All this is important, but there is more to it: home is a shelter that offers protection against all evil and immorality; home is an oasis in the middle of this desert called world.

It is such a responsibility to take care of this holy treasure that God has given us called home!

Home is the place where true values are kept, taught and shared; home is the place where the future men and women of society are raised. Church and school are important, but these institutions only help strengthen what we have sown at

home. Home will always be above these upbringing institutions.

As women that love and serve God, we are called to show in church a marriage that honors and serves God. The perfect family does not exist, but if there is love and forgiveness in the husband’s and wife’s heart, that family will overcome any obstacle.

As we walk in righteousness at home and honor God through our marriage and parenting, let us remember that our family will be a visual sermon that the sheep of the flock will copy and integrate.

OUR FIRST RESPONSIBILITY

As pastor’s wives, God has called us to be help, blessing and support for one of His servants: the pastor of the church.

We are part of his life and ministry and, therefore, our duty is to be a support and complement as wives, friends and confidants.

Recognizing that our first ministry is our home, a substantial part of our calling is to stand at our husband’s side both as comfort and company. I wish for all of

woman

you and for me that our shoulders always be the support upon which the pastor can rest when tired or overwhelmed.

Additionally, pastor’s wives are called to pay a price in prayers for their husband. The enemy is always lurking and

trying to attack spiritual leaders to demoralize believers. His war tactic is to scatter the sheep by smiting their pastor.

That was the tactic used on none other than our Lord Jesus Christ, as Matthew 26:31 indicates: “(…) All ye shall be of-

fended because of me this night: for it is written, I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock shall be scattered abroad.”

The enemy attacks the homes of those in charge of the Lord’s herd in different ways: • Pastor’s neglect. Sometimes the pastor neglects his wife and children because of his ministry, thus causing frustration and bitterness.

• Wife’s foolishness. Some wives make their husbands give up the ministry because they did not have the God’s wisdom to build their home.

• Greed. Some wives make their husbands give up the ministry so they can get more prestigious or profitable jobs, but far from being happy, the husbands feel unsuccessful and guilty, even more knowing that God says that His calling for pastors is without repentance (Romans 11:29).

Worst of all is that the problems within the pastoral couple go beyond their intimacy and affect the congregation they lead. So, when their marriage is weak and unstable, such negative features are unconsciously transferred to the church and, more often than not, to their children. What is more, some wives, instead of contributing to the progress of their husband’s ministry, become an obstacle in the heart of this God’s servant that thwarts the fulfillment of the ministry entrusted to him.

Therefore, as pastor’s wives, every one of us must invest all our energy into promoting a very positive environment at home, so that our husbands can focus on the great tasks of the ministry, such as prayer and the study of God’s Word.

But we also need to cultivate our lives as wives by honoring the Lord and being faithful to our husbands.

If the pastor is happy with us, if he trusts us, if we do him right and not wrong, the Church will undoubtedly have a leader that will be able to fulfil his ministry under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. In this way, God will revive His ministry through the servant to which we are married.

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WAS Jesus born among animals in a stable because there was no room for Joseph and Mary in the inn? In this text, we examine the details of the birth of God’s Son. Tim Chaffey

Information about Christ’s birth is recorded in the second chapter of Luke: Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be registered with Mary, his betrothed wife, who was with child. So it was, that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn (Luke 2:4–7).

It may come as a surprise to many that the Bible does not provide us with many more details than this about the birth of Christ. The following passages in Luke 2 discuss the angel’s announcement of Christ’s birth to the shepherds and the shepherds’ subsequent visit to see Jesus.

Matthew 1:24-25 states that Joseph took Mary as “his wife, and did not know her till she had brought forth her firstborn Son. And he called His name Jesus.”

First, the Bible certainly teaches that Jesus was born in Bethlehem, but it does not state that Joseph and Mary arrived in that town just in time for her to deliver.

In fact, this scenario is highly unlikely since it is doubtful that the two would attempt to make the arduous 70-mile trip from Nazareth in the final stages of her pregnancy. Also, Luke 2:6 implies that they were in Bethlehem for a while before Jesus was born (“while they were there, the days were completed”).

Second, the Bible makes no menMISSIONARY MOVEMENT 22 WORLDWIDE America • Europe • Oceania • Africa • Asia

BORN IN A BARN?

tion of any innkeeper who told them that the inn was full for the night. The reason we imagine this scenario is because the translators of most English versions have chosen the word “inn” to translate the Greek word καταλυμα (kataluma), which gives modern readers the wrong impres-

sion.1 Jesus used this same Greek word in Luke 22:11 to refer to a “guest room.”

This room is now known as the Upper Room, the scene of the Last Supper, the meal that Jesus ate with His disciples the night before His Crucifixion.

That may not sound convincing to

bible

Mary likely gave birth to Jesus in the lower level of a crowded house, in which some of the animals had been brought in for the night.

kataluma (guest room) was full. Consequently, Joseph and Mary would have been relegated to living in the lower level of the house. It is hard to believe that pregnant Mary would have been turned away from a relative’s home in a society that greatly valued familial ties.

Archaeologists have excavated first century homes from the Judean hill country. They have discovered that the upper level served as a guest chamber while the lower level served as the living and dining rooms. Oftentimes, the more vulnerable animals would be brought in at night to protect them from the cold and theft. This sounds strange to many of us, since we would not dream of bringing some of our cattle into the house at night, but even today in some countries of Europe (e.g., Germany and Austria), the farmhouse and the animal quarters are often different parts of the same building.

This is where the manger comes into play. Mary likely gave birth to Jesus in the lower level of a crowded house, in which some of the animals had been brought in for the night.3 She then wrapped Jesus in swaddling cloths and laid Him in the manger (feeding trough).4

Source: https://answersingenesis.org/holidays/christmas/bornin-a-barn-stable/

most people who are familiar with the traditional telling of the Christmas account. But consider that the Greek language has a word for hotel or inn. In fact, Luke used it in Luke 10:34, when he wrote about the Good Samaritan who took the beaten man to the “inn” (pandocheion, πανδοχειον) and paid the “innkeeper” (pandochei, πανδοχει, Luke 10:35) to care for the man.

Since Luke was quite familiar with the proper term for inn, why did he not use it in the account of the birth of Jesus?

The probable answer is that Joseph and Mary did not attempt to stay at an inn.

The Bible states that there was no room for them in the kataluma, which would be better translated as “guest room.”

Joseph and Mary returned to Joseph’s ancestral home of Bethlehem because of the census (Luke 2:1-4).2 As the census was proclaimed throughout the Roman Empire, many Jewish families would have needed to travel to Bethlehem during this time and lodged with relatives who lived in the town.

Joseph and Mary probably stayed with Joseph’s relatives in Bethlehem, but because of the large influx of people, the house would have been crowded and the

REFERENCES AND NOTES 1. The first English translation of the Bible was done by John Wycliffe around 1382. Here is Luke 2:7 from his Bible: “And sche bare hir first borun sone, and wlappide hym in clothis, and leide hym in a cratche, for ther was no place to hym in no chaumbir.”

The word commonly translated as “inn” was first translated into English as “chaumbir” (chamber), which refers to a room or bedroom rather than something like a motel.

2. It is intriguing to think that Joseph and Mary may have understood that they were in the process of fulfilling Micah 5:2, which reveals that the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem.

3. It is also possible that the animals were not in the house that night, but the room was still equipped with a manger for the times that the animals would be brought in. Also, some homes in the Judean hill country were built right into a hillside, so the lower level may have even been a cave, with the house built on and around it.

4. The Greek word for manger is φατνη (phatnē). It refers to a trough or open box in a stable designed to hold feed or fodder for livestock. This same word appears again in Luke 13:15 where several translations use the word “stall,” although “manger” would fit in this verse also as animals are often tied to the actual feed trough. Keep in mind that the proper understanding of a word is based on its context. In Luke 2:7, 12, and 16, Jesus was born and then placed or laid in a manger. He was not born in the manger. It makes sense that Mary wrapped Him in swaddling cloths and then laid him in the feeding trough, which served as a makeshift crib.

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WRITTEN by English composer Philip Doddridge, this hymn describes the close bond between the Lord and the people who place their faith in Him. After being recorded by Edwin Hawkins and his band in 1969, “O Happy Day” became a worldfamous song.

O HAPPY

DAY

“O Happy Day” describes the joy of Christians and the bond between Christ and those who put their trust in Him. Philip Doddridge, English preacher, composer and minister in the 18th century, wrote the hymn based on 2 Chronicles 15:15, and it became one of the most representative Gospel songs.

Born in London on June 26, 1702, Reverend Doddridge developed an extensive work to spread the Gospel between 1722 and 1751. As minister of the Lord and prolific Evangelist, he used his verses to explore the bond that seals the communion between the Lord and His flock and the commitment assumed by the newly converted.

Doddridge’s song is quite popular in the English-speaking world and it is part of the over 400 hymns he wrote during his ministry as pastor. It depicts the pact with our Savior and contains reflections on what awaits believers in Heaven.

WORLD-FAMOUS HYMN

Sung in the United States and the United Kingdom in baptism ceremonies, “O Happy Day” became a world-famous MISSIONARY MOVEMENT 24 WORLDWIDE America • Europe • Oceania • Africa • Asia

music

Sung in the United States and the United Kingdom in baptism ceremonies, “O Happy Day” became a world-famous hymn in 1969, when it gained global recognition after being recorded by Edwin Hawkins and his band.

O HAPPY DAY 1 O happy day that fixed my choice On Thee, my Savior and my God! Well may this glowing heart rejoice, And tell its raptures all abroad.

CHORUS Happy day, happy day, When Jesus washed my sins away!

He taught me how to watch and pray, And live rejoicing every day; Happy day, happy day, When Jesus washed my sins away.

2 O happy bond, that seals my vows To Him Who merits all my love!

Let cheerful anthems fill His house, While to that sacred shrine I move.

3 It’s done: the great transaction’s done!

I am the Lord’s and He is mine; He drew me and I followed on; Charmed to confess the voice divine.

4 Now rest, my long-divided heart, Fixed on this blissful center, rest; Here have I found a nobler part; Here heavenly pleasures fill my breast.

5 High heaven, that heard the solemn vow, That vow renewed shall daily hear, Till in life’s latest hour I bow And bless in death a bond so dear.

hymn in 1969, when it gained global recognition after being recorded by Edwin Hawkins and his band. Hawkins’ version sold more than seven million copies worldwide and earned him a Grammy Award for Best Soul Gospel Performance in 1970.

Listed in 2001 as one of the Best Songs of the 20th Century by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), the song was recorded by the African-American pianist and his band back in 1968 with a two-track tape recorder at a church in the city of Berkeley.

One of the copies ended up in the hands of Tom Donahue, a San Francisco record producer, who launched it to fame.

After the great success achieved by Hawkins and his band, the hymn was sung by many artists such as Aretha Franklin, Mahalia Jackson, Etta James, Roberta Kelly, Lillie Knauls, Elvis Presley, Joan Baez, Ramsey Lewis, Susan Boyle, and bands such as The Oak Ridge Boys and Cathedral Quartet. It also inspired British singer George Harrison to write the song “My Sweet Lord.”

As a short description of the redemption brought by Jesus to mankind through faith, this song by Philip Doddridge, who died on October 26, 1751, maintains its everlasting beauty and relevance, which make it one of the most important Christian musical expressions.

Part of several hymnbooks, this popular song full of hope honors the Almighty.

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BASED on his original thesis for his Master of Arts in Religion, Pastor Fred Wight wrote a book with essential knowledge for the understanding of the Holy Scriptures through the revelation of the habits of the people who lived in biblical times.

MANNERS AND CUSTOMS OF BIBLE

LANDS

In the Bible, living in tents is of ancient origin. It goes back before the days of Abraham. The first reference in the Scriptures to tent life is concerning the man Jabal, of whom it is said, “he was the father of such as dwell in tents” (Genesis 4:20). Following the Flood the Sacred Record says, “God shall enlarge Japheth, and he shall dwell in the tents of Shem” (Genesis 9:27). The patriarchs Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob lived most of their lives in tents, in and around the land of Canaan.

It was said of Abraham that he “pitched his tent” in the vicinity of Bethel (Genesis 12:8), that Isaac “pitched his tent in the valley of Gerar” (Genesis 26:17), and Jacob “pitched his tent before the city (of Shechem)” (Genesis 33:18).

Manners and Customs of Bible Lands, first published in 1953 by Moody Press, contains relevant information contributing to a more appropriate interpretation of the Holy Scriptures. This book, authored by the specialist in Christian faith Fred H. Wight, reveals details about the culture of the people who lived in biblical times.

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to their food in cooking, but was regarded as a substantial food for all ages.

Babies were fed mother’s milk (Isaiah 28:9). The Hebrews not only used cow’s milk, but also sheep’s milk (Deuteronomy 32:14), goat’s milk (Proverbs 27:27), and, no doubt, camel’s milk (Genesis 32:15). The Promised Land was often called “a land flowing with milk and honey” (Exodus 3:8; 13:5; Joshua 5:6; Jeremiah 11:5). This would indicate that Palestine’s broad pasture lands would produce an abundance of milk.

ESSENTIAL BOOK

Divided in thirty-one chapters, the book claims in the first part that the people in the Scriptures used to live in tents made of goat’s hair, but in time they moved to houses with one or more rooms. It also explains how they used to prepare and eat their food.

In some parts of the East a custom of double invitations to an entertainment has been observed. Some time before the feast is to be served, an invitation is sent forth; and then, when the appointed time draws near, a servant is sent again, this time to announce that everything is ready.

There are several examples of this custom in the Bible. Ahasuerus and Haman were invited by Esther to a feast, and then when it was ready the king’s chamberlains went to get Haman (Esther 5:8; 6:14). Another example is in the Parable of the Wedding of the King’s Son. “The kingdom of heav-

literature

en is like unto a certain king, which made a marriage for his son, and sent forth his servants to call them that were bidden to the wedding” (Matthew 22:2, 3).

Reverend Wight, who graduated from Pasadena College, strengthened his research with first-hand information from Pales-

tine. He stated the objective of his book in the introduction: “In a very real sense the Bible may be said to be an Oriental Book…

Knowing Oriental manners and customs (are) necessary to understand the Bible.”

There was among the Jewish wives a universal longing for, and joy in, the giv-

ing birth to children. That longing was well expressed in the words of Rachel to Jacob, “Give me children, or else I die” (Genesis 30:1). The Lord had originally said to Adam and Eve, “Be fruitful and multiply” (Genesis 1:28). And the promise to Abraham was, “I will make

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thy seed as the dust of the earth” (Genesis 13:16). The law of God taught that children were a sign of God’s blessing: “Blessed shall be the fruit of thy body” (Deuteronomy 28:4). The Psalmist pictured a man blessed of the Lord, and says of him, “Thy wife shall be as a fruitful vine by the sides of thine house” (Psalm 128:3).

DAILY LIFE

Among the topics addressed in Manners and Customs of Bible Lands are those that refer to the daily life of Hebrews in biblical times, such as religion in the home, education of youth, agriculture, sickness, death, and birth and care of children.

Ordinarily, the ancient Hebrews did not go to physicians when they were sick.

There are surprisingly few references to physicians in Old Testament days. Job mentions the existence of such when he says, “Ye are all physicians of no value” (Job 13:4). King Asa was criticized by the sacred writer who says of him, “He sought not to the Lord, but to the physicians” (2 Chronicles 16:12). The prophet Jeremiah asked the question, “Is there no balm in Gilead; is there no physician there?” (Jeremiah 8:22). It is quite probable, that any physicians referred to in these days were foreigners, and not Jews of the land.

Why should current believers learn about the ancient habits of the people chosen by God? The author of this book stated, “Many passages of Scripture that are hard for the Westerner to understand are readily explained by a knowledge of the customs and manners of Bible lands. On the other hand, to ignore this subject is to deprive one’s self of a thorough mastery of the Bible, both Old and New Testaments.”

From the days of Abraham down to MISSIONARY MOVEMENT 28 WORLDWIDE America • Europe • Oceania • Africa • Asia

modern times, sheep have abounded in the Holy Land. The Arabs of Bible lands have largely been dependent through the centuries upon sheep for their living. The Jews of Bible times were first shepherds

and then farmers, but they never abandoned entirely their shepherd life. The large number of sheep in the land can be understood when it is realized that Job had fourteen thousand sheep (Job 42:12), and

literature

There was among the Jewish wives a universal longing for, and joy in, the giving birth to children. That longing was well expressed in the words of Rachel to Jacob, “Give me children, or else I die” (Genesis 30:1). The Lord had originally said to Adam and Eve, “Be fruitful and multiply” (Genesis 1:28). And the promise to Abraham was, “I will make thy seed as the dust of the earth.”

Ordinarily, the ancient Hebrews did not go to physicians when they were sick. There are surprisingly few references to physicians in Old Testament days. Job mentions the existence of such when he says, “Ye are all physicians of no value.” King Asa was criticized by the sacred writer who says of him, “He sought not to the Lord, but to the physicians.”

that King Solomon at the Temple’s dedication, sacrificed one hundred and twenty thousand sheep (1 Kings 8:63).

In 1951, Minister Wight completed a thesis for his Master of Arts in Religion en-

titled “A Study of Manners and Customs of Domestic Life in Palestine as Related to the Scriptures,” which was the foundation for his later book. He completed his research and transformed his efforts into a useful book with additional material and the support of Dr. Frederick Owen, professor of Archaeology and Biblical Literature.

In early Old Testament times, the villages were smaller places of abode without walls around them, whereas the cities or towns were larger places that had walls around them. The Mosaic Law made such a distinction: “If a man sell a dwelling house in a walled city” (Leviticus 25:29). “But the houses of the villages which have no wall round about them” (Leviticus 25:31). The villages were often located near a fortified city upon which they were more or less dependent.

Thus, the city was the metropolis of the villages. We often read in the Bible of “cities and their villages,” Some speak of the expression: “cities and their daughters,” indicating a mother-city, and her dependent villages surrounding her ( Joshua 15:45 and 17:11).

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EDWARD Payson was one of the most renowned evangelists of the Second Great Awakening. He was an effective soul-winner who devoted his life to praying and studying the Holy Scriptures.

William Farley

Edward Payson was a renowned preacher of the first half of the 19th century and one of the most influential pastors of the Second Great Awakening. A man of great piety who loved God above all things, he emerged from Portland as one of the most important representatives of the Gospel in the United States.

Due to his passion for prayer, his contemporaries called him “Praying Payson.”

Edward, who was son of Reverend Seth Payson, was born in Rindge, New Hampshire, on July 25, 1783. From an early age, he stood out for his unusual intelligence. At age 4, he learned to read from his mother, Grata Payson, and his great desire to know the love of the Lord made him study the Holy Scriptures.

From then on, he embarked on a journey of faith.

When he was 17, his father enrolled him at Harvard as a sophomore (he skipped his freshman year). He graduated in 1803 at age 20. His classmates ridiculed him for his voracious reading.

They said in jest that he had read every book in the Harvard library.

The death of his brother in 1804 ignited his conversion. It was a decisive change for the 21-year-old. Payson wrote his mother about his new relationship with Christ, “I am so happy, that I cannot possibly think nor write of anything else.”

RENOWNED PREACHER

Convinced that God had called him to the ministry, he began the rigorous spiriMISSIONARY MOVEMENT 30 WORLDWIDE America • Europe • Oceania • Africa • Asia

A MAN OF

PRAYER tual disciplines that would eventually produce such a great harvest. He started the discipline of rising early for prayer and Scripture reading. He immersed himself in books like Jonathan Edwards’ treatise on Original Sin and The Freedom of the Will, preparing himself single-mindedly for the calling that he so keenly felt.

He also began the prayer life that later

Built on the basis of strict biblical commands, his congregation attracted the attention of countless people who met the Messiah when they heard him. However, like other preachers of his generation, he always waited until beginners in the faith began to show unmistakable signs of their conversion to admit them as members of his church.

made him famous. “He prayed without ceasing,” wrote his biographer. He “studied theology on his knees. Much of his time he spent literally prostrated, with the Bible open before him, pleading the promises.”

Payson began to perceive his sinfulness at this point in his life. A typical diary entry reads: “Never appeared so exceedingly vile and loathsome to myself as I did this day. … I felt like sinking into the dust, in the idea that His pure eye was fixed upon me, and that saints and angels saw how vile I was.”

In 1807, he began a pastoral relationship with the Congregational Church in Portland, Maine, where he served until his death in 1827. Such grace and power attended his preaching that three Congregational societies asked this 24-year-old to become their pastor. One even offered to build a new church for the multitudes that waited to hear his preaching. In 1811, at age 28, he married Ann Louisa Shipman, who bore him eight children. Their family was a model of Christian godliness and was admired throughout New England.

hero of faith

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Payson was an effective soul-winner.

Unlike many churches today, his congregation did not grow primarily by disgruntled Christians transferring from across town. He also did not consider a person to be converted on the basis of his testimony alone. Rather, Payson, like other pastors of his generation, waited until the novice began to show signs of spiritual fruit. Only then did they consider a person converted and admit him to the Communion table.

THOUGHTFUL EVANGELIST

With these strict guidelines in mind, during the 20 years of his ministry, his church received more than 700 new converts. What was the secret of Payson’s success? The first reason for his success was prayer. At 26, he notes in his diary, “Was enabled to agonize in prayer for myself and [my] people, and to make intercession with unutterable groanings.”

He was nicknamed “Praying Payson.” It has been said that the wooden floor at his bedside was worn by his knees from his often prevailing.

The first lesson is the need for the power of a deep experiential union with Christ. Payson enjoyed great pulpit power because he spent much time in prayer and Bible study. Through these disciplines God spoke, and to the degree that God spoke Payson’s preaching was infused with spiritual power.

The second reason for his success was his emphasis on preaching. Payson believed the proclamation of God’s Word was his primary job. To this end, he labored in God’s Word and prayer many hours each day. Administration and counseling did not distract him until his time with God was satisfied.

The third reason why he became a successful evangelist was he preached with great passion. Although he preached MISSIONARY MOVEMENT 32 WORLDWIDE America • Europe • Oceania • Africa • Asia

hero of faith

with great love and affection, he always sought, like Charles Simeon, “to rouse and humble, rather than to comfort them; for, if they can be kept humble, comfort will follow.”

As his preaching reputation grew, he received numerous invitations to preach in neighboring New England churches.

Then offers began to come from larger, more prestigious churches in cities like New York, but Payson refused them all.

Ambitious for God, not money or prestige, he remained loyal to the flock God had entrusted to his care.

INEXTINGUISHABLE LEGACY

God did not favor Payson with a long life. In his early 40s, his health began to fail. He suffered in great pain for several months. As his suffering grew so did his joy in God. He lost the use of his limbs.

Although he was confined to bed and in great pain, the joy of the Holy Spirit inundated him. “I can find no words to express my happiness,” he wrote a friend.

“I seem to be swimming in a river of pleasure, which is carrying me on to the great fountain.” He died on 22 October 1827.

After his death, many tried to explain the power behind his preaching.

“It was the eloquence of truth spoken in love,” noted his biographer. It was this eloquence when spreading the Gospel that was considered by different experts in Theology as one of the greatest strengths of the innumerable messages that he shared in his lifetime, which are

now part of a posthumous book. The quality of his writing, rich in spirituality, is only comparable to that of Charles Spurgeon´s. His thoughts excel for their clarity.

Today’s Christian leader can learn many lessons from Edward Payson. The first lesson is the need for the power of a deep experiential union with Christ.

Payson enjoyed great pulpit power because he spent much time in prayer and Bible study. Through these disciplines God spoke, and to the degree that God spoke Payson’s preaching was infused with spiritual power.

The second lesson we learn from Payson is the importance of spiritual reading. A quick glance over church history reveals that great leaders are usually great readers. Certainly Payson exemplifies this principle. We will impact our generation to the degree we cultivate our mind, by immersing ourselves in solid Christian books that provoke our love for God and our sense of personal need.

The third lesson we learn from Payson is the proper role of a pastor. Although he faithfully administered his church, it was a necessary burden. He gave precedence to the real work: prayer and the ministry of God’s Word (Acts 6:4). His biographer claims that Payson spent 12 hours a day in study and 2 hours in prayer. Payson believed this was the pastoral work that brought the results he longed for.

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HE was a troublemaker and an irresponsible drinker, but one day he decided to change and become a Christian.

However, his own family wanted him an alcoholic rather than a follower of Jesus Christ. Today, by the grace of God, the whole family serves the Lord.

Susan Amau Fotos: Arquivo familiar

He spent a long time, perhaps hours, kneeling at the altar. Bathed in sweat and tears, he could barely look up. He felt miserable as he recalled all the sins he had committed in the past. He wanted to change and give up his old bad ways.

The pastor’s sermon echoed in his mind: “Jesus came to save and find what was lost.” “Am I lost?” Santiago asked himself. Suddenly, a hand came to rest on his head and a voice invited him to repeat the prayer of faith. He trembled all over.

It was December 24. Santiago Guaji Cabejo could have been drunk, as he had been before on that same night, but instead he was in a Christian temple where the Lord changed his life forever.

That day, he accepted Jesus as his Savior, the church rejoiced, and the pastor embraced him as a father embraces his child.

He was moved, never before had someone treated him with such affection, and his father had certainly never embraced him.

SCARRED CHILD

Santiago was born in San Ignacio de Moxos, Bolivia, a town that traditionally believes in saints. His father, Alejandro Guaji, would always participate in the saint festivities and drink until passing out. One day, he left his family, and so his mother, Abelina Cabejo, had to work really hard to provide for her six children.

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SANT

life story

TIAGO, THE SERVANT OF GOD

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and introduced him to her children. At first, he seemed to be the perfect partner, the father that Santiago always wanted to have, but with time came the problems.

Discussions became mistreatment and physical violence was worse every time.

Santiago could not take it anymore.

When he was only seven years old, he ran away from home to avoid the beatings and suffering. Feeling lonely and sad, he walked through the streets of his town and found a kind man who offered him food and shelter. He also enrolled him MISSIONARY MOVEMENT 36 WORLDWIDE America • Europe • Oceania • Africa • Asia

in school and promised that he would change him for the better.

Two years passed and the memory of his parents overwhelmed Santiago. He missed them, because he was just a child who deserved to grow up in a happy home.

His little heart broke when the man who was protecting him hit him and kicked him out of the house because he had gone out and played with other children.

He could not go back to his mother in those circumstances. He wandered until exhaustion; the streets became his

new home, the homeless became his new family and he found refuge in drugs and alcohol. One day, his older brother ran into him and saw him dirty and helpless, sleeping under a bridge. With his soul torn, he took him back home. But his coming back, far from being a solution, caused more problems at home.

Accustomed to his life in the streets, Santiago did not want to live in his family’s house anymore and tried to run away more than once. He was bad mannered and rude and he even stole from

life story

his mother. To try to correct him, his stepfather forfeited his documents to make him join the military service when he was an adolescent. The boy hated him more for that and promised never to return.

He stayed with his older brother in Santa Cruz. He got a job in a nightclub and went back to his old ways. Loneliness and lack of love broke him. He started using drugs and having suicidal thoughts. On more than one occasion he stood in the middle of the street, waiting

for some vehicle to run him over, but he never succeeded.

MEETING WITH GOD

He went back to his village at age 19 and he was still a lost soul. One day, he met a young man who used to be a gang member with whom he had committed misdeeds as a teenager. Santiago invited him to drink and toast to their reunion after so many years. “I can’t, Christ has changed me,” replied the friend.

Christ? He had only heard that name

before when his mother and some acquaintances claimed that the followers of Christ were diabolical. Santiago remembered this and laughed, but insisted on the invitation. Finally, the friend accepted under one condition: go to church first.

Santiago fixed his eyes on the looks of his friend, no doubt he looked different.

“Had he really changed? No way! People don’t change,” he said to himself but accepted out of curiosity.

They arrived in the temple and Santiago sat at the last bench. From there he

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watched the faithful sing, cry and worship. He immediately thought that everyone was crazy. Then the preaching began and something happened. The Word touched his heart, but he resisted the call.

He also refused to cry because he did not want to look like a coward, but what was happening to him was inexplicable.

All his memories came to his mind. He closed his eyes and stayed put.

HEART RESTORED

At the end of the service, he stood up. But as he remembered all the hardship that he had gone through he could not hold the tears anymore. The hatred towards his stepfather was gone. The weight of his thirst for revenge and suicidal thoughts had been lifted off his shoulders. On the night of that December 24, God made him think about all the evil that was in his heart.

And the invitation to drink? Forgotten.

Nonetheless, he still put up some resistance. His friend gave him a Bible and visited him every day to teach him how to read it. He would also pick him up in the evening to take him to the service.

Santiago began to go to the church more often and by his own will. Even his mother noticed his change.

The constant visits from his friend annoyed Santiago’s family, who could not stand evangelical Christians. Abelina did not know yet that her son was one.

However, one day the young man read the Holy Scriptures in order to preach divine salvation. His mother was so angry that she began to cry out, “I don’t want the devil in my house, I’d rather see you as before. Forget I’m your mother!” and kicked him out of the house.

It was a really hard blow for the new convert, but his Christian friend never left his side and was always there for him, encouraging him to keep going. He offered him a place to stay and became his faithful confidant.

Santiago tried to make his mother come around many times. “Listen, mom, I love you, I really do, but I’m not going to give up on the Gospel. How many times did I come home all drunk? How much harm did I cause you? But Christ MISSIONARY MOVEMENT 38 WORLDWIDE America • Europe • Oceania • Africa • Asia

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has changed me, given me a new life,” he said one day. “Leave the church, you’ve dishonored this family,” she answered.

DIVINE SALVATION

Santiago did not understand Abelina’s attitude, but he persevered. One day, she became ill. Doctors found no cure for her illness and said she was beyond all hope.

She was transferred to different hospitals and even took to sorcerers, but she could not be healed. She was dying.

The young man asked his mother to authorize the visit of the brothers of the evangelical church who wanted to pray

for her so that she followed the path of Christ. At the insistence of her son, and seeing her death so close, she agreed.

Santiago’s pastor arrived together with other members of the church. Abelina’s family happened to be at the hospital with her at the moment. After singing to God, the pastor prayed and asked her to embrace Christ. The patient accepted, for the joy of the Church, and that night she slept soundly, after several nights of insomnia.

The next day, Abelina got up as new.

God had done a miracle in her life. She asked Santiago to come home; he be-

came his mother’s guide and together they converted the whole family to Christ. Although at the beginning his brothers refused to embrace the Gospel, one by one came to the ways of the Lord.

His passionate love for the Word of God has led James through difficult yet victorious paths. He has traveled around his town on his bicycle to preach the Gospel and had become a faithful follower of Jesus Christ. It has been more than ten years since that experience changed his heart. Today he is a pastor and he has a wife and a beautiful family that serve God with all their heart.

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“And at midnight there was a cry made.” Matthew 25:6.

Rev. Luis M. Ortiz

My friends, we are living in a dark hour in the history of mankind, but the worst is yet to come. The arms race is still going on and nuclear weapons of huge destructive power are still manufactured. Albert Einstein said about atomic bombs, “Perhaps two-thirds of the people of the earth will be killed.”

500 years before Christ, the prophet Zechariah described the horrible consequences of nuclear bombs and radioactivity: “Their flesh shall consume away while they stand upon their feet, and their eyes shall consume away in their holes, and their tongue shall consume away in their mouth” (Zechariah 14:12).

So powerful will nuclear explosions be that the planet will be shaken off its orbit.

The prophet Isaiah described this: “The earth shall reel to and fro like a drunkard, and shall be removed like a cottage… the earth is moved exceedingly” (Isaiah 24:1920). Isaiah also referred to an eventual atomic explosion when he said, “And it shall come to pass, that he who fleeth from the noise of the fear shall fall into the pit; and he that cometh up out of the midst of the pit shall be taken in the snare” (Isaiah 24:18).

About this, the Lord Jesus Christ said, “And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring; Men’s hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken” (Luke 21:25-26).

There will be no escape for anyone. This war will make all the other wars in the world small. Jesus Christ said about these times, “For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be” (Matthew 24:21).

The apostle John, in the visions of the MISSIONARY MOVEMENT 40 WORLDWIDE America • Europe • Oceania • Africa • Asia

CRY AT

MIDNIGHT Apocalypse, heard the number of the army that will be mobilized at Armageddon: “And the number of the army of the horsemen were two hundred thousand thousand: and

I heard the number of them” (Revelation 9:16). He also described, “And the heaven departed as a scroll when it is rolled together; and every mountain and island were

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moved out of their places… For the great day of his wrath is come; and who shall be able to stand?” (Revelation 6:14-17).

There will be so many dead in this war that the blood will come out unto to the horse bridles.

My friends, these terrible days are coming. The prophet Zephaniah said, “The great day of the LORD is near, it is near, and

hasteth greatly, even the voice of the day of the LORD: the mighty man shall cry there bitterly. That day is a day of wrath, a day of trouble and distress, a day of wasteness and desolation, a day of darkness and gloominess, a day of clouds and thick darkness, A day of the trumpet and alarm against the fenced cities, and against the high towers.

And I will bring distress upon men, that

they shall walk like blind men, because they have sinned against the Lord: and their blood shall be poured out as dust, and their flesh as the dung. Neither their silver nor their gold shall be able to deliver them in the day of the LORD’s wrath; but the whole land shall be devoured by the fire of his jealousy: for he shall make even a speedy riddance of all them that dwell in the land” (Zephaniah 1:14-18).

God in His mercy offers you the precious opportunity to be spared in that terrible day: “Gather yourselves together… Before the decree bring forth, before the day pass as the chaff, before the fierce anger of the Lord come upon you, before the day of the Lord’s anger come upon you. Seek ye the Lord, all ye meek of the earth, which have wrought his judgment; seek righteousness, seek meekness: it may be ye shall be hid in the day of the Lord’s anger” (Zephaniah 2:1-3).

And Paul writing to the Thessalonians, explained: “Seeing it is a righteous thing with God to recompense tribulation to them that trouble you; And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels, In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power; When he shall come to be glorified in his saints, and to be admired in all them that believe (because our testimony among you was believed) in that day” (2 Thessalonians 1:6-10).

Those who seek God now, will be saved from the ravages and judgment of that dreadful day. The Lord Jesus Christ said, “Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth” (Revelation 3:10).

Today is the day of salvation (2 Corinthians 6:2, Isaiah 55: 6, 7). Tomorrow will be day of judgment (Romans 2:116, Matthew 25:31-46, Revelation 20:11-15). “While it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts, as in the provocation” (Hebrews 3:15). God bless you!

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“But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.” Corinthians 2: 9-10.

THE TRUE

Rev. José Arturo Soto Benavides

The true knowledge of the Church of Christ is from God. The Church is the recipient of everything that God gives. However, some do not use this inexhaustible source, but by faith, they can open their hearts.

The apostle Paul told Timothy, “These things write I unto thee, hoping to come unto thee shortly: But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth” (1 Timothy 3:14-15). The Church supports what is true, and for that reason it is called the “pillar and ground of the truth.”

We can change a wall in a building, but pillars or columns cannot be touched, because if one of them is removed the whole structure might collapse.

If the Church is the pillar and ground of the truth and has the knowledge of the Spirit, then the Church has a great privilege, but also a great responsibility, the responsibility to continue sustaining the truth of God. It is as the Lord said, “If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness!” and “if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men” (Matthew 6:23, 5:13).

The Church is, then, a special people that God has placed in this world with perennial, constant, powerful and MISSIONARY MOVEMENT 42 WORLDWIDE America • Europe • Oceania • Africa • Asia

KNOWLEDGE effective purposes. It is not hidden, but it is a people in which the power of the Spirit is visible, as it leads and guides the Church. There are places where, if the Spirit goes away, weeks would go by without no one even noticing, because members believe that they are the ones leading, planning and making changes, and forget the simplicity of effective faith in the God who has given us this Word.

It is said that the language of the Bible is “archaic,” that it is no longer effective for these times, that we must stop speaking about sin and sinners, because it is disgusting, offensive. We can no longer attack sin face to face, because everything is relative these days; according to them, adultery or abortion can be good or bad depending on the situation. They say that the Church has to change its harsh language.

There are many interpretations and versions of the Bible. We know that language and culture evolve, that some words become old-fashioned and others take their place, etc. That is perfectly acceptable in biblical translations, but what cannot be accepted is the change of concepts; it is not possible, for example, to replace the word ‘blood’ by ‘death,’ since one thing is death and another thing is blood. The Bible says, “without shedding of blood is no remission.” (Hebrews 9:22).

The Bible also teaches us that, “the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are

foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned” (1 Corinthians 2:14).

To the Church of Corinth, Paul said, “And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or

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of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God. For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified” (1 Corinthians 2:1-5).

Paul did not go to talk about phi-

losophy, or Plato, or Aristotle, or the great Greek philosophers; he went to share the simple message called by the world “the foolishness of preaching” (1 Corinthians 1:21). “For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness;

but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.” (1 Corinthians 1:18). This is foolishness for those who do not know the Lord and shut their hearts; for the Church it is the power and wisdom of God. Amen.

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“Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned.” Romans 5:12.

Rev. Álvaro Garavito

The Bible is the oldest book of knowledge to ever have existed, and its author is the creator of the universe, of heaven and of earth. It was in the Bible that the worst pandemic in the history of Earth was announced almost 4000 years ago. This pandemic has destroyed millions of millions of lives – men, women, old people and young people from all walks of life – and its name is SIN. The Bible says, “Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned” (Romans 5:12).

Science has developed in amazing ways and the Internet, if well used, is a wonder. However, Satan has poisoned many in their own rooms and homes with corruption, immorality, prostitution, pornography. What is worse is that evil has not entered only the heart of sinners, but it has also touched the principles of once pure people who are now been dragged down by sin. For example, in some churches, people do not worship, praise or preach anymore, but they fall asleep on the bench, with their minds somewhere else: in pornography, soap operas or corrupted movies.

“Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage. For verily he took not on him the nature of angels; but he took on him the seed of AbraMISSIONARY MOVEMENT 44 WORLDWIDE America • Europe • Oceania • Africa • Asia

CHRIST

TRIUMPHED

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ham. Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people. For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is

able to succour them that are tempted” (Hebrews 2:14-18). Jesus had to come from heaven to be born as a man, to live here as a human being with needs, to cry and to laugh, aware that he had to fight the bloodiest of battles in order to defeat the one that had “the power of death.”

When he arrived the night before in Gethsemane, his pores burst from the pressure of the coming battle, and big drops of blood came from them. When the time came, he confronted his enemies, and was taken as prisoner and tried. He went on to accept the death of the cross, because there he was going to fight the great battle and to obtain the great victory: “And he came out, and went, as he was wont, to the mount of Olives; and his disciples also followed him. And when he was at the place, he said unto them, Pray that ye enter not into temptation. And he was withdrawn from them about a stone’s cast, and kneeled down, and prayed, Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done. And there appeared an angel unto him from heaven, strengthening him. And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly: and his sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground. And when he rose up from prayer, and was come to his disciples, he found them sleeping for sorrow…” (Luke 22: 39-46).

There on the cross Christ defeated the principalities, powers, rulers of the darkness and spiritual hosts of wickedness that were waiting to hit his head.

“And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it” (Colossians 2:15). Christ deprived the principalities and powers of their authority, stripped them and defeated them openly.

My friends, you are being held down by sin because you allow it. You are a victim of alcohol, drugs, prostitution, lies, cheating, falsehood, hypocrisy, witchcraft, doomsayers and sorcerers, because you allow it. God tells us, “If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land” (2 Chronicles 7:14). If you believe in Him, accept Him as your personal Lord and Savior. God bless you!

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THE Worldwide Missionary Movement is now established in Mozambique and has attracted dozens of people who are willing to surrender to Christ. This is the beginning of a revival that can save many souls in Africa.

Eliseo Aquino Curi

Pastor James Delgado, missionary of the Worldwide Missionary Movement in Mozambique, claims that nothing is impossible for God. The difficulties that may arise when a Work begins are no excuse not to obtain a victory.

What is the situation of the Church in Mozambique?

We are moving forward. It has not been easy. We know that every new Work faces certain difficulties, but with God’s help we are re already in victory.

You already have the first temple.

That is right. God has allowed us to build a temple on a rented piece of land; there we can gather the people we are reaching through the Gospel.

What is the main religion in Mozambique?

Mozambique is located in Southeast Africa and has about 26 million inhabitants. Its capital is Maputo, where we are established. Half of the people practice animism and believe in witchcraft and in the old traditions of the elderly or their parents. The other 50% is divided: 30% are Christians and 20% are Muslims.

Is the work of evangelization in Mozambique difficult?

As in any place where a Work begins, difficulties may arise. In my case, I did not speak Portuguese when I arrived in Mozambique and communicating was not so easy. But Portuguese is similar to Spanish, so I was able to make myself understood and win over the people here. On the other hand, leaving MISSIONARY MOVEMENT 46 WORLDWIDE America • Europe • Oceania • Africa • Asia

“MOZAM IS WAITING FOR THE WORD”

MBIQUE

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my family was hard. My wife and I have never been apart in 17 years of marriage, but the Work needed me. Here in Mozambique, we have started from scratch.

Carrying out a job or founding a Work in a country that is not yours, a country with an entirely different culture, is not easy, but is it not impossible either.

Has the Worldwide Missionary Movement been welcomed in Mozambique?

God has given grace to this country.

Seeing us work and build the temple has been a surprise to people in Mozambique. Foreigners usually come to the country as foremen, bosses or company directors, so seeing “white� people working, nailing a roof, building was new to them. Maybe that is why many were curious when the temple was opened; there were more than forty people in the first service, without counting the children. We mingle with the people, we introduce ourselves, we commute together; it was rare for them to see that. That is why they come to greet us with respect and consideration and to listen to us when we preach.

Is there any government policy against Christian churches like the WMM? There are not, thank God. I think Mozambique is open to the Gospel.

Although many false Christians have entered the country with commercial intent, taking away the little money people have, Mozambicans are noble, kind and simple; they have a great spiritual need and a heart sensitive to the Word of God. God. So we have not had any problems, not even with authorities. We have been able to work with freedom.

What are the prospects for the MMM in Mozambique?

The prospects are very good. We are making arrangements to formally and legally establish the Work of the MMM. We have begun to preach the Word of the Lord. We are on the right track and we hope to continue like this. We have been given every facility and, above all, the authorities and the people are willing to listen to the Word of the Lord.

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A quick report of the work that Worldwide Missionary Movement is making in America and throughout the world. The Holy Bible states: “And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple... And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved”. (Acts 2:46,47).

EVENT: YOUTH CONFERENCE DATE: OCTOBER 5 - OCTOBER 7 PLACE: MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA

OUR ETERNAL ABODE The WMM in Australia held its Youth Conference and deep messages touched the hearts of the attendees.

The Worldwide Missionary Movement in Australia held its Youth Conference at the Epping Memorial Hall, located on the outskirts of Melbourne. The event was attended by Reverend Eduardo Masías, national officer of the WMM in Peru, and Reverend William García, leader of the WMM in New Zealand.

At the inauguration service, Pastor Masías announced the good news of Jesus Christ with a message that touched the hearts of the faithful. The servant stressed that humanity has a loving and merciful God who is aware of the needs of His people. In addition, he pointed out that whoever displeases the Lord will fall into the pit of sin.

HOLY WORD

At the second worship, Pastor García, who fights the good fight of the Gospel in New Zealand, shared the message “God’s Miraculous Hill,” based on Isaiah 25:1. In his speech, he said that any problem that believer may have can be solved if they are filled with the Holy Spirit.

He also recommended trusting the Creator with all the heart.

Later, in the third service, Pastor Masías announced the good

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news. In his preaching “Before Giants,” based on 2 Samuel 21:15, the servant spoke about David, who fought the Philistines, and the way the Lord used him to show His power to the nation of Israel.

At the closing service of the

Youth Conference of the WMM in Australia, Reverend Eduardo Masías preached once again to the attendees. He shared the message “Our Eternal Abode,” based on Revelation 21, and focused on the new heaven and the new earth.

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EVENT: NATIONAL FELLOWSHIP AND BAPTISM CEREMONY DATE: OCTOBER 19 - OCTOBER 21 PLACE: AMBOHIBAO, MADAGASCAR

FIGHTING THE GOOD FIGHT The WMM in Madagascar held its National Fellowship with the attendance of reverends Carlos Guerra and Alberto Ortega.

The Worldwide Missionary Movement in Madagascar held its National Fellowship in the church of Ambohibao, located in Antananarivo Province, gathering faithful from Bonaire, Costa Rica, the Netherlands and the United States.

Reverend Alberto Ortega, missionary supervisor of the WMM in Haiti, was one of the two preachers.

At the inauguration worship, the servant of Christ, shared the message “The Power of the Little Flock,” based on Luke 12:32.

Reverend Carlos Guerra, international officer of the Work, was the second minister chosen by the Lord to preach the Gospel. In the second service, the Costa Rican pastor presented a message entitled “Fighting the Good Fight,” based on 2 Timothy 4:6-8.

In the third worship of the activity, Pastor Guerra preached the Word of Christ once again. On this occasion, he shared the message “God’s Care,” based on 1 Kings 17:8-6, and talked about the story of Elijah and the widow of Zarephath.

At the closing of the National Fellowship of the WMM in Madagascar, Pastor Ortega announced the good news of the Savior. “Your Problem Will Be Your Miracle” was the title of his sermon, which was based on Judges 13:1-3.

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SHEEP OF THE LORD

The Work of God carries out a great evangelistic work in Madagascar, an island nation located in the Indian Ocean, where the flock of the gains new members every day. On October 19, the WMM organized a baptism ceremony in which two women surrendered to the Lord.

At the ceremony, Pastor Guerra and Pastor Ortega thanked the Lord for the growth of the WMM in Madagascar and they both stressed that Jesus has great purposes for this country located in Southeastern Africa.

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event EVENT: NATIONAL FELLOWSHIP DATE: OCTOBER 26 - OCTOBER 28 PLACE: CUREPIPE, MAURITIUS

HOW TO WAIT IN GOD The WMM in Mauritius, which has just acquired a property with the support of the Board of International Officers, held its National Fellowship.

With the attendance of Carlos Guerra, international officer of the Work of the Lord, and Alberto Ortega, missionary supervisor of the WMM in Haiti, the Worldwide Missionary Movement in Mauritius held its National Fellowship in the central temple of the city of Curepipe.

At the opening of the event, which was held under the motto “Credibility,” Reverend Guerra was the instrument chosen by the Lord to preach His Word to the faithful. The minister shared the message “How to Wait in God,” based on Luke 5:1-11, and talked about the miraculous fishing, In addition, the International Officer also shared the message entitled “The Faith, the Revelation and the Reward of Paul,” which was based on 2 Timothy 4:6-8.

GOOD NEWS

Reverend Ortega delivered two sermons that had quite an impact. First, the servant of the Lord spoke about the biblical story of the oil of the widow through his message “The Glory of Empty Vessels,” based on 2 Kings 4:1-7.

Later, Pastor Ortega shared his second message, “Men Wanted to Restore the Wind.” The preacher said that during the drought, caused by the rebellion of Israel, a worker of God was needed to recover the wind.

Reverend Guerra and Reverend Ortega, in their stay in Mauritius, had the opportunity to visit the church of the Baie-du-Tombeau, located about four miles from the city of Port Louis, and the Temple of D’Épinay, located in Pamplemousses District.

Under the blessing of Christ, the Work in Mauritius sows the Word in this country located the South West Indian Ocean and has recently acquired a property to build the main church of Curepipe. The purchase was made with the support of the Board of International Officers of the WMM and the local congregation.

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EVENT: 4TH NATIONAL FELLOWSHIP DATE: OCTOBER 5 - OCTOBER 7 PLACE: PIRAEUS, GREECE

FEAR NOT, PREACH The WMM in Greece held its 4th National Fellowship. The spiritual event aimed to analyze the power of the Gospel and was attended by faithful from Italy and Switzerland.

Savoy Hotel, located in the Piraeus, was the place chosen by the Worldwide Missionary Movement in Greece to hold the 4th National Fellowship. The event was held under the motto “Fear Not, Preach” was attended by faithful from Italy and Switzerland.

At the opening service, Reverend Galo Flori, presbyter of the WMM in Greece, shared God’s message “Fear Not, Speak,” based on Acts 18:9. The pastor said that the source of the power of the church is in the Lord.

Likewise, Pastor Flori told how God told Paul in a vision not to fear because He was by his side. He also mentioned that the Lord wants His people not to be coward, but to be faithful, and that Christians are the temple of the Holy Spirit.

PREACH THE GOSPEL

On the second day, Reverend David Echalar, supervisor of Europe’s Block B, developed the sermon “Why Does the Church Not Grow?” based on Daniel 10:1-13. His message focused on the biblical passage that talks about Daniel’s vision by the river.

Based on the Scriptures, Pastor Echalar explained that sometimes a congregation does not grow because the enemy does everything in his power to cauterize people’s minds. He also said that we must do God’s will to move forward.

In the final service of the 4th National Fellowship of the WMM in Greece, Reverend Hugo Lope, national treasurer of the WMM in Italy, preached the Word of the Lord through the edifying message “Fear Not, Preach,” based on Joshua 1:9 and Psalm 24:4. In his speech, Minister Lope mentioned that Joshua was ordered to strive and be brave. He also stated that the members of the Work of God must continue bringing the message of God to all the creatures of the world.

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event EVENT: 10TH NATIONAL FELLOWSHIP DATE: NOVEMBER 7 - NOVEMBER 10 PLACE: RAMLA AND BEERSHEBA, ISRAEL

GOD IS GREAT The WMM in Israel held its 10th National Fellowship and brought together brothers from America and Europe.

With the attendance of delegations from South America, Europe and North America, the Worldwide Missionary Movement in Israel held its 10th National Fellowship in Ramla, capital of the Central District, and Beersheba, located in southern Israel, where the Work of the Almighty spreads the Word of God every day.

The meeting was attended by many members of the WMM: Sister Carmen Valencia, from the WMM in Colombia; Sister Lourdes Hernández, from the WMM in the United States; Reverend Jimmy Ramírez, from the WMM in Switzerland; Reverend Hugo Lope, from the WMM in Italy; Reverend Roberto Rioja, from the WMM in England; Reverend David Echalar, from the WMM in Italy; and Peruvian pastors Eduardo Masías, Edgar Cari and Juan Carlos Ninahuamán.

In the first worship of the event, Pastor Cari, national officer of the WMM in Peru, shared the message “What God Can Do,” based on Judges 15:9. In his teaching, the servant said that the Lord is beyond man’s thinking and that He does not think the same way we do. He also said that the God always finds the way.

On the second day, the missionary Carmen Valencia, wife of Reverend Gustavo Martínez, preached the Gospel of Christ to the attendees. She shared the message “Surrender, the Essential Requirement to Be a Blessing,” based on 1 Peter 5:6. In addition, a baptism ceremony was held.

On the third day, Reverend Masías, national officer of the Work in Peru, shared the message “Filling, Preaching and Conversion,” based on Acts 2:14. The minister of God talked about the roots of the Christian church.

The event of the Work of the Lord was broadcast on Bethel TV, Bethel Italia and the “Volvamos a Dios” [Let’s Go Back to God] website. The event ended with a service in which Sister Valencia preached the Word of the Lord through the message “A Deep Spiritual Revolution Is Needed,” based on Isaiah 64:1-2.

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EVENT: NATIONAL CONVENTION DATE: NOVEMBER 1 - NOVEMBER 4 PLACE: SANTIAGO, CHILE

KEEP YOUR CREDIBILITY The WMM in Chile held its 22nd National Convention with delegations of faithful from Peru, Puerto Rico, Paraguay, Brazil, Uruguay and Bolivia.

With the motto “Keep Your credibility,” the WMM in Chile held its 22nd National Convention in the municipal gymnasium of San Joaquín, located in Santiago. The event gathered a large group of Chilean faithful and delegations of brothers from Peru, Puerto Rico, Paraguay, Brazil, Uruguay and Bolivia.

At the opening worship, Reverend Rubén Concepción, international secretary of the WMM, announced the good news. The servant shared the message “Trained to Serve with Reverence and Humility,” based on Isaiah 6:1.

Later, in the second service, Reverend Carlos Magallanes, National Supervisor of the WMM in Uruguay, evangelized the members of the Work with message “The Privilege of Knowing God,” which was based on Hebrews 2:1.

Then, in the third worship, Reverend Luis Meza Bocanegra, international director of the WMM, shared the good news. The speech of the leader of the WMM in Peru was “A New Pact,” based on Matthew 26:28.

POWERFUL GOSPEL

Later, in the fourth service, Reverend José Vidal, Colombian missionary, preached the Gospel. The pastor shared the message “Keep Your Credibility,” based on Deuteronomy 8:1-3, and exhorted the attendees not to neglect the study of the Word.

At the fifth worship, Reverend Gerardo Martínez, leader of the congregation in Chile, shared the sound doctrine.

The preacher’s message, “God Has Much More to Give You,” was based on 2 Chronicles 25:7-9.

At the sixth service, in which three workers were promoted, Pastor Meza Bocanegra preached the Gospel once again. On this occasion, the International Officer presented the message “The Privilege of Knowing God,” based on Jeremiah 9:23-24.

At the closing service, Pastor Concepción shared the message of Christ. Based on Numbers 13:1-3, the International Officer delivered the sermon “The Triumphs of Faith.”

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EVENT: 2ND ANIVERSARY OF THE CHURCH OF SAN DONÀ DI PIAVE / DATE: OCTOBER 20 / PLACE: VENICE, ITALY

LIGHTNING THE WAY The WMM in Italy carried out several activities in Venice to celebrate the anniversary of the church of San Donà di Piave.

The Worldwide Missionary Movement in Italy celebrated the 2nd anniversary of its church in San Donà di Piave, located in Venice Province, with a special event held under the motto “Lightning the Way.” The spiritual celebration began with a morning worship in which Reverend Wilson Chacón, presbyter of Zone 6 of the WMM in Italy, shared the good news through the message “Why Does a Church Become Abnormal?” based on 2 Thessalonians 2:11-12.

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Hours later, in the afternoon, Reverend David Echalar, National Supervisor of the WMM in Italy, shared God’s message.

The also supervisor of Europe’s Block B, shared the message “A Friend Is Something Special,” based on Samuel 10:26-27.

In his preaching of the Holy Scriptures, Pastor Echalar spoke about the friendship between Samuel and Saul. He said that it is good to have friends who help and support us when we go through difficult times, and pointed out that our most important friend is the Lord.

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EVENT: 6TH ANIVERSARY OF THE CHURCH OF NOVARA DATE: OCTOBER 16, 19, 20 AND 21 PLACE: NOVARA, ITALY

THERE IS A SOUND OF ABUNDANCE OF RAIN On the occasion of the 6th anniversary of the church of Novara, the WMM in Italy held four worships to announce the good news and thank God for His protection.

To celebrate the 6th anniversary of the church of Novara, the Worldwide Missionary Movement in Italy held four meetings of faith in which the people of God listened to the Word of the Lord.

The event took place under the motto “There Is a Sound of Abundance of Rain” and was attended by the faithful from the temples in Busto Arsizio, Vercelli, Saronno and Milano.

On the first day, Reverend Galo Flori, national officer of the WMM in Italy shared the message “The Vital Importance of Water,” based on 1 Kings 18:41.

On the second day, Reverend Ramón Ortega, national officer of the Work in Italy, preached to the faithful of Jesus Christ. The servant exhorted the attendees not to lose hope and to trust in God. In the third service, Reverend Hugo Lope, presbyter of Zone 1 of the WMM in Italy and leader of the church of Busto Arsizio, preached the Gospel through the message “Look Again,” based on 1 Kings 18:43.

At the last worship of the 6th anniversary of the church of Novara, Pastor Jonathan Cajahuaringa, a worker who spreads the good news in the city of Vercelli, shared the message “Listen and Wait for the Rain,” which was based on 1 Kings 18:42.

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EVENT: 19TH ANIVERSARY OF THE CHURCH OF CENTRAL ROME DATE: OCTOBER 13 PLACE: ROME, ITALY

AND GOD REMEMBERED With an evangelistic campaign and a special service, the WMM in Italy celebrated the 19th anniversary of the church of Central Rome.

Under the motto “And God remembered”, the Worldwide Missionary Movement in Italy held an evangelistic campaign and a special service to celebrate the 19th anniversary of the temple in Central Rome.

In the morning, the faithful marched from the church in Central Rome to the Malatesta station of Line C of the Rome metro. There, sisters Cinzia Parisi and Susana Maldonado preached the Word, and Sister Cristiana Suárez shared her testimony.

During the evangelization campaign at the Malatesta station, the members of Presbytery 7 of the WMM in Italy handed out leaflets and copies of Impacto Evangelistic, which were received with pleasure by the Roman population.

In the afternoon, Reverend Ismael Bautista, from the church of Bologna, shared the Gospel through the message “If Amalek Goes Out to Meet, Fight,” based on Deuteronomy 25:1719. In addition, the “Volando como las águilas” [Flying like eagles] program, presented by Sister Delmy Ordóñez, aired that day.

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EVENT: 9TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE CHURCH OF SAITAMA / DATE: OCTOBER 7 / PLACE: GYODA, JAPAN

AND YE SHALL KNOW THE TRUTH, AND THE TRUTH SHALL MAKE YOU FREE The WMM in Japan celebrated the 9th anniversary of the church of Saitama with an event attended by faithful from Oppama, Hamamatsu and Narita.

With the attendance of believers from the congregations of Narita, Hamamatsu and Oppama, the Worldwide Missionary Movement in Japan celebrated the 9th anniversary of the church in Saitama, located in the city of Gyoda, under the motto “And Ye Shall Know the Truth, and the Truth Shall Make You Free.”

In the event, more than one hundred and seventy believers gathered to

thank the Lord for His blessings. It was attended by pastors Jack Cabrera, from the WMM in Panama, and Francisco Correa, a Colombian missionary who preaches the Gospel in the Philippines.

Minister Cabrera shared the message “Taking Care of My Life,” based on Luke 15:8-10. With the Scriptures in his hands, the preacher said that God asks us to clean our hearts.

In addition, many activities were carried out to praise the Lord during the 9th anniversary of the church of Saitama. One of them was a presentation by the children of Sunday School, who developed a special activity called “I Have Decided to Follow Christ.”

Likewise, the ladies of the church of Hamamatsu sang the hymn “Power, Wonderful Power.”

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Other events

CURACAO

VENEZUELA

PUERTO RICO

Special Worship for Children

District Fellowship in Caracas

Fellowship of Zone 7

On November 3, the WMM in Curacao held a Special Worship for Children in the Seru Papaya Neighborhood, located in Willemstad City. The event, whose motto was “Children Raised with Values,” was led by the teachers of the Sunday School of the Work of God. At the beginning of the service, praises were sung in Papiamento. Then, a biblical dramatization was staged to share the Christian values promoted by the WMM and spread the sound doctrine of Jesus Christ.

The performance, led by four sisters of the WMM in Curacao, was divided into four parts that were focused on obedience, love, respect and responsibility. It also included a series of songs that reinforced the messages shared.

From September 12 to September 14, the WMM in Venezuela held a District Fellowship in the central church of Caracas. The event took place under the motto “Persist in Credibility,” and was attended by a large number of faithful of the Lord.

On the first day, Reverend Gregorio Muñoz, national secretary of the Work in Venezuela, shared the good news. Afterwards, Reverend Reinaldo Díaz, national officer of the WMM in Venezuela, shared the message “Make Right Decisions in Times of Crisis.”

On the second day, several national officers of the WMM in Venezuela announced the good news and advised believers to uphold the doctrinal principles of the congregation until the second coming of Christ.

At the closing service, Reverend Celedonio Chiquillo, national treasurer of the WMM in Venezuela, shared the message “Do Not Step Back While Travelling.” Later, Reverend Ricardo Manrique, national supervisor of the WMM in Venezuela, delivered the message “The Best Is Yet to Come.”

The city of Ponce hosted the Fellowship of Zone 7 of the WMM in Puerto Rico on October 20. The event was held under the motto “Worshiping Amid Struggle and Trial because our God Is Great.”

In the spiritual celebration, Reverend Rubén Concepción, international secretary of the Work of the Almighty, shared the Lord’s message entitled “Victory through Praise and Worship,” based on John 4:21-24.

In his preaching, Pastor Concepción claimed that the mercy of the Lord is at our disposal thanks to the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Likewise, the missionary pointed out that the story of Abraham illustrates the importance of the altar of sacrifice for the Christian community.

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PARAGUAY Regional Fellowship of Zone 1 The WMM in Paraguay held, from October 19 to October 21, the Regional Fellowship of Zone 1 in the Virgen del Carmen sports center, located in the city of Asuncion.

The meeting of faith, whose motto was “Jesus Restores the Family,” was attended by believers from Argentina, who came to listen to the good news shared by Reverend Nazario Gómez.

The National Officer of the WMM in Argentina announced the Gospel on four occasions.

On the first day, Pastor Gómez shared the message “Why Are You Not Happy within the Church?”

The following day, in the morning service, he presented the sermon “Whoever Has Been Called by God Will Blossom,” based on Numbers 17. In the afternoon, an evangelistic march was held through the streets of Asuncion to reveal that the Lord restores families. Hours later, in the night service, Pastor Gómez shared the message “Seeking God’s Protection for the Family,” based on Job 1:8-10.

At the closing service, Reverend Gómez preached the Gospel once again. His message, which was based on 1 Samuel 3:1-5, was called “God Wants to Wake You Up from Your Spiritual Sleep.”

MEXICO Fellowship in Acuitlapilco With the attendance of more than one hundred and fifty faithful, the WMM in Mexico held a Fellowship on October 20 in the Jardines de Acuitlapilco Neighborhood, located in the Chimalhuacán Municipality.

The event gathered faithful from many churches of Zone 1 who gathered to listen to the Word of God. Reverend Elmer Morán, member of the WMM in Mexico, shared the message of the Lord. “Do Not Give Up,” based on 1 Kings 19:2-5. In his reading of the Scriptures, the preacher spoke about the biblical passage “Elijah Flees to Horeb.”

SPAIN Men Retreat The WMM in Barcelona held, on October 12 and October 13, its Men Retreat in the church of Ciudad Condal, capital of Catalonia, which gathered faithful from the congregations of Zones 1, 2, 5 and 7 of the WMM in Spain.

At the opening of the event, whose motto was “Recovering the Priesthood at Home,” Reverend Carlos Medina, national supervisor of the WMM in Spain, was the instrument chosen by the Lord to convey His message. His sermon was based on 1 Samuel 12:1236 and was entitled “Reinforce the Family Rearguard.”

Then, in the second service, Reverend Alexander Montes, based on Judges 17:1-13, developed the topic “Exercising the Priesthood with Credibility.” In his preaching, the minister stressed that pastors must carry out their job with the authority of Christ.

Later, at the closing service, Reverend Medina, delivered the sermon called “God Does Not Approve of an Unfaithful Priesthood,” based on Malachi 2:10-16.

BELGIUM

NETHERLANDS

National Fellowship

Anniversary of the Church of Tilburg

From 19 to 21 October, the Anderlecht, a municipality located in Brussels, hosted the 7th Fellowship of the WMM in Belgium. The event was held under the motto “This Is God’s Time for You” and was attended by two hundred faithful from the congregations of Germany, England, Luxembourg and the Netherlands.

In the first service, which was organized by the members of the churches of Brussels and Antwerp, Reverend Jesús Galván, leader of the WMM in Luxembourg, shared the message “Ready for the Lord’s Time,” based on Daniel 9:1-6.

Then, at the second worship, Reverend Edwar Flores, pastor of the church of Berlin, announced the good news based on 2 Timothy 3:2-4. The pastor emphasized that Christians need the presence of the Lord.

Later, in the third service, Reverend Abraham Roggeband, leader of the congregation of Rotterdam, shared the good news. Based on Matthew 16:1718, he stated that, even if hell rises, this is a time of blessing for believers.

At the last service, Reverend Enmanuel Garzón, supervisor of Europe’s Block C, spoke about the great mission of the followers of Christ, based on Deuteronomy 7:1.

With the motto “Seek the Lord with All Your Heart,” the WMM in the Netherlands celebrated, from October 5 to October 7, the 20th anniversary of the church of Tilburg, a city located in North Brabant Province.

In the first service, Reverend Roberto Rioja, pastor of the church of London, preached the Gospel of the Almighty. Based on 1 Kings 10:13, he developed the message “A Woman Rewarded with the King’s Favor.”

Later, in the second service, Pastor Rioja evangelized the members of the WMM in the Netherlands once again. On this occasion, he shared the message “God Seeks a Total Surrender in Your Life.”

Then, in the third worship, Reverend Enmanuel Garzón, supervisor of Europe’s Block C, delivered the message of Christ with a sermon entitled “God’s Mind.”

At the closing service, Pastor Rioja preached the Gospel. Based on 1 Kings 18:21, the missionary addressed the topic “It Is Time to Take God’s Things Seriously.”

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LETTERS TO US... cartas@impactoevangelistico.net

JANUARY 3-10 CONVENTION COLOMBIA 25-28 CONVENTION BOLIVIA

NANCY GARCÍA Brothers in Christ, so great is our God that He brings us together through the faith, even though we don’t know each other. Regardless of the distance, the social condition or the language, this faith makes us feel so close that we learn to know and love each other. I thank you for Impacto Evangelistic. It is an honor and a pleasure to read every page full of wisdom and knowledge. May God bless you and give you wisdom to keep up the beautiful work.

From Mayabeque, Cuba.

FEBRUARY 9-11 10-13 22-25 22-25

Dear brothers, members of this beautiful work, I thank the Lord for the grace and wisdom He gives you. Impacto Evangelistic has evangelized my colleagues and teachers at UPAO University. Its interesting design and topics catch people’s interest and that’s why they read it with great joy. Keep up this great missionary work that knows no borders. God bless you.

From Trujillo, Peru.

MAY 4-6 CONVENTION JAPAN, Shizuoka (Hamamatsu) 24-27 CONVENTION THE NETHERLANDS JUNE 1-3 CONVENTION OF YOUNG PEOPLE AND PASTORS (HONDURAS)

EMMA NIEVES

GUIDO ROMERO As a student of Theology at the Evangelistic Center I attend, Impacto Evangelistic meets all my expectations to reach a greater knowledge of God. May God continue to enlighten you.

From San José, Costa Rica.

YEFFERSON HERNÁNDEZ Dear brothers of Impacto Evangelistic, I want to

congratulate you for this great missionary work that edifies thousands of people and helps many others to reach the feet of Christ through the Word of God. Keep going, the work will soon bear fruit.

From Arauca, Colombia.

ALFREDO DOMENECH Beloved brothers, may God continue to strengthen you and give you wisdom from on high to keep up this wonderful work that reaches the lost and trains the followers of Christ. Impacto Evangelistic is blessing and edification for my spiritual life. I thank you so much for the magazine, and I promise you that every day at 9 a.m., I ask God to continue to support you in your task of making the magazine. A hug in the love of Christ.

From Holguín, Cuba.

JULIO PANTIGOSO ELENA AGUILAR The magazine is a blessing for thousands of lives, especially for young people. I encourage you to keep making this magazine, always with the support of the Word of God. The Lord bless you all. From Cochabamba, Bolivia.

CONVENTION PARAGUAY, San Lorenzo CONVENTION PANAMA CONVENTION ARGENTINA, Cordova CONVENTION BELIZE, Orange Walk

MARCH 7-11 CONVENTION OF PASTORS AND WOMEN, (AFRICA) 28-1 (APR) CONVENTION GUATEMALA, Guatemala City 29-1 (APR) CONVENTION GUYANA, FRENCH GUIANA, TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO, AND MARTINIQUE, French Guiana (Georgetown) 29-1 (APR) CONVENTION AUSTRALIA

JOSÉ MOZO SIFUENTES

God bless you. Congratulations for your work in the magazine. Impacto Evangelistic is the second most important reading in my life, after the Holy Scriptures, because it contains testimonies and informs of events held in different parts of the world. That means that the Work of the Lord is unstoppable.

From Arauca, Colombia.

GLOB AL AGENDA 2018

Greetings, brothers. When I found the prestigious Impacto Evangelistic Magazine, I loved because of its philosophy, which is the living expression of the evangelistic thought, and its religious content developed around the world. I sincerely congratulate you for the work you do in the Worldwide Missionary Movement. I am a high school teacher of Philosophy.

From La Libertad, Peru.

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JULY 4-7 CONVENTION COSTA RICA, Heredia 5-8 CONVENTION BRAZIL, Manaus 5-8 CONVENTION NETHERLANDS ANTILLES, Aruba 10-13 CONGRESS USA, Virginia (Woodbridge) 18-21 CONVENTION UNITY OF PASTORS, MEN, WOMEN AND YOUNG PEOPLE, (Puerto Rico) 26-28 CONVENTION DOMINICAN REPUBLIC 26-29 CONVENTION MEXICO AUGUST 9-12 CONVENTION SPAIN AND BLOCK A OF EUROPE Madrid 9-12 CONVENTION AFRICA, Equatorial Guinea (Bata) 15-18 CONVEGNO VENEZUELA 16-19 CONVENTION ITALY, Milan 23-26 CONVENTION HAITI, Port-au-Prince 23-26 CONVENTION ECUADOR, Guayaquil SEPTEMBER 10-12 CONVENTION PERU, Chiclayo 13-15 CONVENTION PERU, Arequipa 16-18 CONVENTION PERU, Lima 26-29 CONVENTION INDIA 30 WORLD MISSION DAY, simultaneous activity in all the countries OCTOBER 4-7 CONVENTION HONDURAS 5-7 NATIONAL FELLOWSHIP CANADA 19-21 FELLOWSHIP MADAGASCAR 24-28 CONVENTION MAURITIUS NOVEMBER 1-4 CONVENTION CHILE, Santiago 8-11 CONVENTION EL SALVADOR 15-18 CONVENTION URUGUAY, Montevideo 29-2 (DEC) CONVENTION NICARAGUA DECEMBER 13-16 CONVENTION OF PASTORS AND YOUNG PEOPLE

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December 2018 / Impacto evangelĂ­stico

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MISSIONARY MOVEMENT 68 WORLDWIDE America • Europe • Oceania • Africa • Asia